Murder / Homicide Charges

Manslaughter, murder, or vehicular homicide are probably the most serious accusations in the criminal justice system. The punishments for first-degree murder range from life in prison to the death penalty. The lines between different types of murder and manslaughter can be both fine and complicated. But even an unintentional death––involuntary manslaughter––is a felony charge, and it carries a penalty of prison time.

Vehicular Homicide DUI
Drunk driving is a serious charge by itself, but if you get a DUI / DWI in Stuart, Martin County, or St. Lucia County and cause the death of someone else, the charges will be severe. Even though it was an accident, the state views your car as a deadly weapon––much like a knife or gun–– and you can be charged with first and second degree murder.

As with other forms of criminal homicide, the consequences usually include prison time, which means life as a convicted felon. At least two states have also previously tried vehicular homicide DUI cases as capital murder cases, asking for the death penalty.

Florida DUI Penalties, Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide:

DUI/Manslaughter: up to $10,000 fine and/or 15 years imprisonment

DUI Manslaughter/Leaving the Scene of an Accident: up to $10,000 fine and/or 30 years imprisonment

Vehicular Homicide: up to $10,000 fine and/or 15 years imprisonment

Vehicular Homicide/Leaving the Scene: up to $10,000 fine and/or 30 years imprisonment

Vehicular homicide charges aren’t always alcohol-related. Any kind of substance abuse, reckless driving and reckless endangerment could lead to this charge if you accidentally kill someone. Even if you didn’t mean to hurt anyone, or if you didn’t realize the danger, you could still face charges of involuntary manslaughter.

Make no mistake: if you are facing the death penalty or prison time, you will need an aggressive, skilled, and proven defense attorney to find evidence pointing to your innocence and present it in a very compelling manner. Your attorney can examine the facts to make sure you aren't facing life-altering charges for a crime you didn't commit, and make your case in a way that creates the much-needed “reasonable doubt” in the jurors’ minds.

Charges like this can put enormous pressure on you and your loved ones. Don’t take chances. I have the knowledge and skill to defend you, and I will fight relentlessly for your rights against murder charges, including homicides committed in self-defense, or related to burglary, felony drug use, or rape.

No matter what, your attorney has the legal obligation to represent you, and make your case beyond a reasonable doubt.

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